Muslim Leaders Demand Arrest of Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj Over Remarks on Prophet Muhammad

Mumbai, August 23, 2024 – Muslim Ulemas and community leaders met with the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, Rashmi Shukla, on Wednesday evening to submit a memorandum demanding the arrest of Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj. The Hindu religious leader is alleged to have made disparaging remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wife Ayesha during a meeting on August 15 at Panchale village in Sinnar, Nashik.

महाराष्ट्र की शिंदे सरकार ग़ुस्ताखे रसूल गंगागिरी महाराज के ख़िलाफ़ इतने सारे FIR होने के बावजूद अब तक हिरासत में क्यों नहीं ले रही हैं ??

इस मामले में आज उल्लेमाँओं के साथ महाराष्ट्र के @DGPMaharashtra रश्मी शुक्ला जी से मुलाक़ात की और मेमोरेंडम दिया !

हमारी माँग है… pic.twitter.com/NCCxSrlU1k

— Waris Pathan (@warispathan) August 21, 2024

FIRs Filed Across Maharashtra

The controversial speech has sparked turmoil within the Muslim community across the state. FIRs have been filed against Ramgiri Maharaj in multiple police stations, including those in Mumbai. The religious leader, who has an ashram at Goda Dham, Sarala Bet, Ahmednagar, is accused of promoting enmity between different groups and outraging religious beliefs.

Raza Academy’s Call for Action

The Raza Academy, a Sunni group, was among the organizations that met with the DGP. They have called for Muslims to observe Friday as a ‘Day of Protection in the Honour of the Prophet.’ Waris Pathan, the former AIMIM Member of Legislative Assembly from Byculla, stated, “The DGP has taken cognisance of our memorandum. She has promised action.”

Legal Actions and Petitions

In addition to the FIRs, a Chembur-based organization, Hazrat Khwaja Garib Welfare Association, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. The petition highlights that despite multiple FIRs, Ramgiri Maharaj has not been arrested. The petitioners argue that the accused is influential and may tamper with evidence, posing a serious law and order problem if not apprehended.

Court’s Involvement

The petition filed at the Bombay High Court requests the court to direct the Commissioner of Police (Mumbai) and the Pydhonie police to arrest Ramgiri Maharaj and report the action to the court. The FIR at Pydhonie police station, filed on August 18, includes charges under sections 196, 299, 302, and other provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering offences such as promoting enmity and outraging religious beliefs.

Community’s Response

The Muslim community’s response to the incident has been one of unity and determination. The widespread circulation of videos and photos of the event has further fueled the demand for immediate action. The petitioners emphasize that the police’s lack of response to the complaints has left them with no other remedy but to approach the courts.